1 . Tea culture is varied in different countries by the way tea is made and drunk, and by the places for tea drinking. How to make tea may be different. According to the ways of making tea, tea is classified into white tea, green tea, black tea, etc. And how to prepare tea may be different, too. In Tibet, tea is commonly boiled with salt and butter. People may drink tea at home or in public, for example, at tea houses.
As part of culture, tea has a relationship with history, health, education, communication and so on. It is commonly used at social activities. For example, afternoon tea is a British custom. Families or friends can communicate with each other while having afternoon tea.
Tea has remained a way of daily life in China and drinking tea has a lot of advantages. It makes people less tired, clears heat in the human body and helps people lose weight.
Chinese people are good at using tea to make other things delicious. Tea, originally served as a medicine in ancient times, is now not just a kind of drink, but also excellent seasoning (调味品). Here are two delicious dishes made with tea:
Tea Eggs: You can find them cooked and sold in street markets in almost every city in China. Dragon Well Tea Shrimp (龙井虾仁). It’s one of the most well-known dishes in Hangzhou. Before you drink tea please check the following tips:
◆Drink tea hot.
◆The best time to drink is in between meals. It is bad for your stomach if you drink tea just before meals, during meals or soon after meals.
◆Do not drink too much strong tea.
1. Which of the following is similar to the underlined phrase “classified into”?| A．carry out | B．sort out | C．turn into | D．burst into |
| A．weekend activity | B．hobby | C．way of communication | D．game |
| A．a drink | B．a dish | C．seasoning | D．a medicine |
| A．ways of making tea | B．places to drink tea |
| C．tools for drinking tea | D．advantages of drinking tea |
2 . John Dewey
Birthplace: Burlington, Vermont, United States
A faithful advocate of progressive education and liberalism, the American philosopher was the founder of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. John Dewey’s famous writings included The Reflex Arc Concept in Psychology and Human Nature and Conduct. According to him, passion for knowledge and intellectual curiosity were central to a teacher.
Savitribai Phule
Birthplace: Naigaon, India
Savitribai Phule was a revolutionary social reformer who devoted her life to educating girls and bringing about gender (性别) equality in the face of resistance from the conservative Indian society. Phule, who was illiterate (文盲的) until her marriage, went on to become a teacher, an achievement accomplished first by an Indian woman. With her husband, she founded schools for girls in Maharashtra.
Maria Montessori
Birthplace: Chiaravalle, Italy
Maria Montessori was an Italian educator and physician best known for developing the Montessori method of education, a student-friendly method, which is being used in several public and private schools around the world. In 2020, she was nominated (提名) by Time magazine as one of their Top 100 Women of the Year.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Birthplace: Geneva, Switzerland
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, composer, and writer. His political philosophy influenced aspects of the French Revolution. He also helped develop modern economic, political, and educational thought. His writing inspired a complete change in French drama and poetry. His works also influenced such writers around the world as Tolstoy.
1. Who set up the University of Chieage Laboratory Schools?| A．Savitribai Phule. | B．John Dewey. |
| C．Maria Montessori. | D．Jean-Jacques Rousseau. |
| A．He founded schools for girls in Maharashtra. |
| B．He emphasized teachers’ passion and curiosity. |
| C．He developed a student-friendly teaching method. |
| D．He had a great impact on French drama and poetry. |
| A．They were all influential in education. |
| B．They all fought for gender equality in schools. |
| C．They were all nominated as Top 100 Teachers of the Year. |
| D．They all helped develop political and educational thought. |
3 . The food we eat every day keeps us alive, but it can also increase health and environmental costs-heart disease, carbon emissions, and more. For years, health researchers focused on their priorities while environmental scientists were on theirs. And it became increasingly obvious that what we eat is closely connected with planet’s health.
So the researchers of a recent study at the University of Michigan built a system that combined both concerns, looking at health and environmental impacts of specific foods.
The researchers looked at the nutritional makeup of nearly 6000 foods. A hot dog would probably cost someone about 35 minutes of living; but eating most fruits might help someone gain a few extra minutes. In the calculations, apple pie is just about neutral — some boost from the apples, some losses from butter, flour, and sugar.
At the same time, the researchers evaluated the environmental effects of those thousands of food items. They studied different ways the environment absorbed food production’s impact as well.
When researchers looked at both issues at once, an exciting pattern emerged. Many foods good for people’s health were also relatively gentle on the environment. Not surprisingly, beans, vegetables-not those grown in greenhouses, though-and some sustainably farmed seafood like catfish fell in what they termed the “green” zone. “Amber” zone foods, like milk, egg-based foods and greenhouse-grown vegetables balanced health and environmental costs. “Red” zone foods, which included beef, pork, lamb and processed meats, had high health and environmental costs.
There’s no replacement for food, but shifting what we eat is possible. Food choices are personal, deeply connected to culture, religion, emotion, economic concerns, and so much more. “We aim to inform people so that they can make choices that fit with their needs and values.” says Olivier Jolliet one of the researchers. “We don’t all have to adopt a vegetarian diet overnight.” he says. “Small changes can make big impacts.”
1. What do we know about the recent study?| A．More is known about the nutritional makeup of foods. |
| B．Most foods are beneficial to both health and the planet. |
| C．Healthy foods tend to be harmless to the environment. |
| D．Research has been done on environmental impacts of foods. |
| A．balanced | B．wasteful | C．gentle | D．consuming |
| A．Milk. | B．A hot dog. | C．Apple pie. | D．Beans. |
| A．They can make a great difference. |
| B．They meet people’s needs for food. |
| C．They are not suitable for everybody. |
| D．They are of great value to researchers. |
4 . Jack London, one of America’s major writers of adventure tales, was born in California in 1876. During his life, London worked at many jobs. His broad life experiences would become the background for his writing.
London, loved to read. As a teenager, he spent many hours educating himself at the Oakland, California, public library. He attended college at the University of California at Berkeley, but he stayed for only six months. He though Berkeley was “not lively enough” and wanted to do something more exciting.
London wrote stories about working people and the hard times they had making a living. He knew their problems first hand. He worked as a sailor, farmer, factory employee, railroad worker, and gold prospector, to name just a few of his many jobs.
London grew up near the waterfront in Oakland. He loved the water. When he was fifteen years old, he bought a small sailboat called a sloop. Later he sailed to Japan on a schooner, which is much large sailing boat. Like many people of the time, London caught the Klondike Gold Rush Fever. In 1897, he headed for Alaska. He didn’t find gold, but he discovered something even more valuable. He discovered that people enjoyed listening to the stories he made up with his vivid imagination. London entertained the miners with story after story. Later, using his experiences during the Gold Rush, he created many more colorful stories.
London resolved to live a full, exciting life. He once said, “I would rather be a superb meteor (流星), every atom of me in magnificent glow,than a sleepy and permanent planet.” Each day, he pushed himself. Once London determined that he was going to be a writer,nothing could stop him. His goal was to write at least one thousand words everyday. He refused to stop even when he was sick. In eighteen years, the writer published fifty-one books and hundreds of articles. He was the best-selling and highest-paid author of his day. Many people also considered him to be the best writer. White Fang and The Call of the Wild are his most famous stories and are about surviving in the Alaskan wilderness. Readers can enjoy Jack London’s energy and his talent for telling wonderful stories each time they open one of his novels.
1. Why was Jack London able to write on many topics?| A．He pushed himself to reach goals. |
| B．He had a variety of experiences and jobs. |
| C．He was drawn to the Klondike Gold Rush. |
| D．He was the best-selling and highest-paid author. |
| A．That he was hired to sail to Japan. |
| B．That he traveled to Alaska in 1897. |
| C．That he spent much of his time writing. |
| D．That he was not interested in college life enough. |
| A．is expert at universe. |
| B．aims high and strive to succeed. |
| C．is excited about life of the wildness. |
| D．face a choice between life and death. |
| A．To support the statement that London was the “best writer”. |
| B．To describe life during the Klondike Gold Rush. |
| C．To provide information on Jack’ s life. |
| D．To identify books written by Jack London. |
5 . “Never give up! Never give up!” sang my two young children, Max and Charley, as they marched barefoot behind their grandmother Mimi on another adventure, off the beach where they had spent the day building sand castles and beating the waves. This time, they were seeking the ice-cream truck.
Over the years, Mimi had become our family’s source of positivity through her effort. My father’s death left her to raise me and my ten-year-old brother alone at forty. She faced tragedy that is powerful enough to cloud just about anyone’ s outlook. Instead, she challenged herself to find joy every day. She was always up for a new challenge, whether parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico, or signing up for tap-dancing classes at fifty. Leading by example, Mom taught us how much one could accomplish with a positive attitude.
She has taken the same approach in her relationship with her grandchildren. Prior to starting her adventure with Max and Charley that hot July afternoon, Mimi heard the familiar sound of the ice-cream man’s bell from her beach chair. The ice-cream man’s visit is a daily occurrence at the beach, but one must be quick to catch his truck. Max and Charley were disappointed when they didn’t catch him in time that day, until Mimi’ s eyes sparkled and explained that they could rush to find it at its next stop.
They walked block after block. My kids’ tiny legs were tired, but they went on. After about twenty minutes’ walking, Max spoke out loud, “Maybe we should give up.” Charley responded with a quick “No way! Never give up!” and resumed her singing with Mimi.
Just two blocks later, they found it. Max and Charley screamed with excitement, “Never give up!” Simple though it was, that phrase has become our battle cry (口号) for the challenges we face. Upon hearing those words, they are instantly transported to a positive state of mind—where the next ice-cream truck is just around the corner.
1. Why were Max and Charley marching barefoot?| A．To get some extra exercise on the beach. |
| B．To meet their grandma’ s special request. |
| C．To run after the truck for an ice cream. |
| D．To build sand castles and fight the waves. |
| A．She was optimistic despite misfortune. | B．She once had a bright prospect in life. |
| C．She was dominant in her community. | D．She developed an interest in adventure. |
| A．She blamed him for being loud. | B．She took the chance to be outstanding. |
| C．She turned to Mimi for some advice. | D．She opposed him and went on seeking. |
| A．Self-trust is the first secret of success. | B．Remain positive in times of difficulties. |
| C．Seize a chance in life before it disappears. | D．Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. |
6 . Five Ancient Chinese Poems about Spring
As the winter chill still lingers through early spring, longing for warm days has sprung up everywhere. Before the flowers are in full blossom, here is a collection of ancient Chinese poems picturing the revival of life during spring. The English translations used in this article are from Chinese translator Xu Yuanchong’s editions.
Spring Morning — by Meng Haoran (689-740) of the Tang Dynasty (618-907)This spring morning in bed I’m lying,
Not to awake till birds are crying.
After one night of wind and showers,
How many are the fallen flowers?
Written in a Village South of the Capital — by Cui Hu (772-846) of the Tang DynastyIn this house on this day last year, a pink face vied
In beauty with the pink peach blossoms side by side.
I do not know today where the pink face has gone;
In the vernal breeze still smile pink peach blossoms full-blown.
Happy Rain on a Spring Night (Excerpts) — by Du Fu (712-770) of the Tang DynastyGood rain knows its time right;
It will fall when comes spring.
With wind it steals in night;
Mute, it moistens each thing.
Dreaming of the Southern Shore — by Bai Juyi (772-846) of the Tang DynastyFair Southern shore,
With scenes I adore.
At sunrise riverside flowers redder than fire,
In spring green waves grow as blue as sapphire,
Which I can’t but admire.
Love Seeds — by Wang Wei (701-761) of the Tang DynastyRed berries grow in the southern land,
How many load in spring the trees?
Gather them till full is your hand;
They would revive fond memories.
1. What can we learn about the poets?| A．Meng Haoran lived longer than other poets. |
| B．Both Cui Hu and Bai Juyi died at the same age. |
| C．All of the poets were not from the Tang Dynasty. |
| D．Cui Hu wrote a poem highlighting the color green. |
| A．Love Seeds. | B．Happy Rain on a Spring Night. |
| C．Dreaming of the Southern Shore. | D．Written in a Village South of the Capital. |
| A．Spring. | B．Summer. | C．Autumn. | D．Winter. |
7 . If you are looking for a vacation to a beautiful beach town, here you can find the best cities along the East Coast based on a departure (离开) from Los Angeles.
Savannah, Gcorgia
Round-trip flight cost: $ 415
Walking tours of the city’s attractions are led by local historians to help you better know the city’s past and you can see the bench where Forrest Gump sat. There is also a free tour to Forsyth Park, home to a 300-ycar-old Candler Oak tree. Visitors can also stay at the Forsyth Park, which includes a spa, restaurant and cooking school.
Charleston, South Carolina
Round-trip flight cost: $519
You don’t have to travel to Europe to visit one of the world’s best spots. Charleston made Travel and Leisure’s 2018 list of the top 15 international cities. You can enjoy the sunshine for free at Folly Beach and watch the sunset from the dock.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Round-trip flight cost: $358
There are no flights from Los Angeles directly to Block Island, but a round-trip flight to Providence, Rhode Island. There you can make your way to Block Island and visit 1661 Farms and Gardens, which is home to kangaroos, camels, ducks, goats and much more.
Roanoke, Virginia
Round-trip flight cost: $517
Take advantage of the arts and crafts trips, hiking paths and waterfall stops all along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you don’t want to stay outdoors, visit the Taubman Museum of Art for free. The museum has a collection of over 2,100 pieces from around the world and hosts special exhibits throughout the year.
1. What do tours in Savannah allow visitors to do?| A．Learn about the history of the city. |
| B．Help plant trees in Forsyth Park. |
| C．Attend a cooking school for free. |
| D．Watch an open-air movie. |
| A．like to enjoy the sunset in the harbor |
| B．love to spend time with animals |
| C．want to appreciate works of art |
| D．prefer enjoying the mountain view |
| A．Savannah. | B．Charleston. | C．Block Island. | D．Roanoke. |
8 . The teenage years are a transformative period marked by great physical, psychological, and emotional changes.
Understanding and managing social emotions can help develop teenagers’ identities. Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions from social interactions, which significantly influences their self-understanding and social awareness. In the process, they learn to understand, and appropriately respond to both their own emotions and those of others.
In academic settings, social emotional competencies like self-regulation, motivation, and social awareness directly impact a teenager’s ability to learn, participate, and engage in school activities.
Learning social emotions involves a combination of personal experience, guidance, and formal education.
| A．What exactly are social emotions? |
| B．The journey into mature emotion is quite easy. |
| C．Social emotion learning for teenagers is essential. |
| D．Central to this phase is the concept of social emotions. |
| E．This helps shape their own personal principles and beliefs. |
| F．Families play a crucial role in modeling and developing these skills. |
| G．Moreover, social emotional skills are closely linked to mental health. |
9 . The giant Amazon rainforest in South America has been a mystery for centuries. It holds all kinds of natural wonders. Among them in Colombia, a river stands out as “the most beautiful river” in the world.
Locally called Carnio Cristales, this special river lies in a national park. It is made up of several waterfalls, rapids, and plenty of pools. For most of the year, Carnio Cristales looks like a common river: clean, green, and rocky. However, during the short period between September and November, the river explodes (迸发) with life and colour. It appears as any mix of colours including blue, green, yellow, orange, and a purplish red. So it is also known as the “River of Five Colours”.
Although at first it may appear as if some chemicals were added to the water, this rainbow river is completely natural. Carnio Cristales’colours are the result of a rare (稀有) water plant which needs sunlight to grow. The plants change colour depending on how much sunlight they receive, and the amount is decided by the height and speed of the water. Therefore, it is possible for the plants to be totally colourless if the sunlight is too hard to get. They are a delicate plant. This makes them easily damaged in the water.
Actually, the river faces some problems, including drier seasons, wildlife trouble, waste management, and budget (预算) cuts. In 2007, the park was forced to close because it was over-crowded with tourists. Now the park admits only 200 people a day and requires them to mind their behaviour.
Today, Carnio Cristales still shines among Colombia’s most popular natural attractions, drawing thousands of tourists every year.
1. When is the best time to visit Carnio Cristales?| A．In October. | B．In March. | C．In June. | D．In January. |
| A．The water is badly polluted. | B．People add chemicals to it. |
| C．A special plant lives in it. | D．The weather is changeable there. |
| A．The wildlife problem. | B．The poor service. |
| C．Too much rubbish. | D．Too many visitors. |
10 . Four Nominees for the Best Picture of 2024 Oscar
Here are four nominees for the Best Picture of the 96th Academy Awards.
American Fiction
American Fiction is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Cord Jefferson. Based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, it follows a frustrated novelist-professor who writes an outlandish satire of stereotypical “black” books. It was named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute.
Anatomy of a Fall
Anatomy of a Fall is a 2023 French legal drama thriller film, directed by Justine Triet from a screenplay she co-wrote with Arthur Harari. It is about a writer trying to prove her innocence in her husband’s death, which brings the audience fear. It was released theatrically in France by Le Pacte on 23 August, 2023.The film has won two awards at the Golden Globes.
Barbie
Barbie is a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, the film stars Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows the pair on a journey of self-discovery through both Barbie land and the real world.
The Holdovers
The Holdovers is a 2023 American comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne. The film is about a strict classics teacher at a New England boarding school who is forced to look after a handful of students.
1. Anatomy of a Fall is a ____________ film.| A．war | B．horror | C．fantasy | D．disaster |
| A．American Fiction. | B．Anatomy of a Fall. |
| C．Barbie. | D．The Holdovers. |
| A．They are comedy films. | B．They are American films. |
| C．They were based on screenplays. | D．They were released in the same year. |
